Defensive snaps: DB depth shows up – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

This performance highlighted the depth and improvement in the secondary in 2013, as the Patriots went seven players deep, spending most of the game in either their nickel (5 defensive backs) or dime package (6 defensive backs) as they essentially viewed Saints tight ends Jimmy Graham and Benjamin Watson as receivers. Third-round draft choices Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon played critical snaps and held their ground. Harmon’s playing time came after CB Aqib Talib left with injury in the third quarter, with the Patriots moving Devin McCourty into Talib’s role against Graham.